Chapter

FOURTEEN

Power and Politics

A Definition of Power
Power A capacity that A has to influence the behavior of B so that B acts in accordance with As wishes. Dependency

Bs relationship to A when A possesses something that B requires.

A Definition of Power
Power A capacity that A has to influence the behavior of B so that B acts in accordance with As wishes. Dependency

Bs relationship to A when A possesses something that B requires.

 Leadership

Contrasting Leadership and Power

Power
Used as a means for achieving goals. Requires follower dependency. Used to gain lateral and upward influence.

Focuses on goal achievement. Requires goal compatibility with followers. Focuses influence downward.

Research Focus
Leadership styles and relationships

Research Focus
Power tactics for gaining

Bases of Power: Formal Power

Formal Power Is established by an individuals position in an organization; conveys the ability to coerce or reward, from formal authority, or from control of information. Coercive Power A power base dependent on fear. Reward Power Compliance achieved based on the ability to distribute rewards that others view as valuable.

Bases of Power: Formal Power (contd) Legitimate Power

The power a person receives as a result of his or her position in the formal hierarchy of an organization.

Bases of Power: Personal Power Expert Power

Influence based on special skills or knowledge. Referent Power Influence based on possession by an individual of desirable resources or personal traits.

Dependency: The Key To Power

The General Dependency Postulate

The greater Bs dependency on A, the greater the power A has over B.

Possession/control of scarce organizational resources that others need makes a manager powerful. Access to optional resources (e.g., multiple suppliers) reduces the resource holders power. What Creates Dependency Importance of the resource to the organization Scarcity of the resource Nonsubstitutability of the resource

Power Tactics
Power Tactics
Ways in which individuals translate power bases into specific actions. Influence Tactics:
Legitimacy
Rational persuasion Inspirational appeals Consultation Exchange Personal appeals Ingratiation Pressure Coalitions

Preferred Power Tactics by Influence Direction

Upward Influence Downward Influence
Rational persuasion Rational persuasion Inspirational appeals

Lateral Influence
Rational persuasion Consultation

Pressure
Consultation Ingratiation Exchange

Ingratiation
Exchange Legitimacy Personal appeals

Legitimacy

Coalitions

E X H I B I T 142

Factors Influencing the Choice and Effectiveness of Power Tactics

Sequencing of tactics
Softer to harder tactics work best.

How the request is perceived

Is the request consistent with the targets values?

Skillful use of a tactic Relative power of the tactic user

Some tactics work better when applied downward or upward.

The culture of the organization

Culture affects users choice of tactic.

The type of request attaching to the tactic

Is the request

Country-specific cultural factors

Local values favor

Power in Groups: Coalitions

Coalitions Clusters of individuals who temporarily come together to achieve a specific purpose.
Seek to maximize their size to attain influence. Seek a broad and diverse constituency for support of their objectives.

Occur more frequently in organizations with high task and resource interdependencies.
Occur more frequently if tasks are standardized and routine.

Sexual Harassment: Unequal Power in the Workplace

Sexual Harassment
Unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

The U.S. Supreme Court test for determining if sexual harassment has occurred:
Whether comments or behavior in a work environment would reasonably be

Steps for Managers to Take to Prevent Sexual Harassment

Make sure a policy against it is in place. Ensure that employees will not encounter retaliation if they file a complaint. Investigate every complaint and include the human resource and legal departments. Make sure offenders are disciplined

Politics: Power in Action

Political Behavior Activities that are not required as part of ones formal role in the organization, but that influence, or attempt to influence, the distribution of advantages or disadvantages within the organization. Legitimate Political Behavior Normal everyday politics. Illegitimate Political Behavior Extreme political behavior that violates the implied rules of the game.

Politics Is in the Eye of the Beholder

Political Label
1. Blaming others 2. Kissing up 3. Apple polishing 4. Passing the buck 5. Covering your rear 6. Creating conflict vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs.

Effective Management Label

Fixing responsibility Developing working relationships Demonstrating loyalty Delegating authority Documenting decisions Encouraging change and innovation

7. Forming coalitions
8. Whistle blowing 9. Scheming 10. Overachieving 11. Ambitious 12. Opportunistic 13. Cunning 14. Arrogant 15. Perfectionist

vs.
vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs.

Facilitating teamwork
Improving efficiency Planning ahead Competent and capable Career-minded Astute Practical-minded Confident Attentive to detail
E X H I B I T 133

Factors That Influence Political Behaviors

Employee Responses to Organizational Politics

Avoiding Action:
Overconforming Buck passing Playing dumb Stretching Stalling

Defensive Behaviors

Avoiding Blame:
Buffing Playing safe Justifying Scapegoating Misrepresenting

Avoiding Change:
Prevention Self-protection

Impression Management (IM)

Impression Management
The process by which individuals attempt to control the impression others form of them.

IM Techniques:
Conformity Excuses Apologies Self-Promotion Flattery Favors

Association

Is A Political Action Ethical?

1. What is the utility of engaging in the behavior? 2. Does the utility balance out any harm done by the action? 3. Does the action conform to standards of equity and justice?

E X H I B I T 148

Chapter Check-Up: Power & Politics

Write down two differences between power and leadership. Discuss with a classmate.
Do all leaders have power? Does everyone with power lead others? Discuss.

Chapter Check-Up: Power & Politics When you go to work, what three things can you do to make people in your organization dependent on you? Discuss your answers with your

neighbor. Do you think its bad to

plan how youll get power over

Chapter Check-Up: Power & Politics

What is the difference between a power tactic and an influence tactic? Discuss with a neighbor.